Remote-controlled lock



June 8, 1965 F. J. BROCH 3,183,129

REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK Filed Nov. 15; 1962 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 3 d J: 7061!) FIG. I BY 2 t Z I June 8, 1965 F; .1. BROCH 3,188,129

REMOTE-CONTROLLED LQCK Filed Nov. 15, 1962 8Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.2

June a, 1955' F. J. BROCH 3,188,129

REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK 1 Filed Nov. 15. 1962 a Sheets-Sheet :s

FIG. 3-

F. J. BROCH REMOTE- June 8, 1965 CONTROLLED LOCK Filed Nov. 15. 1962 I I y I; I

K 64 x l 2* 1 L\\\\\\\ /y////////////r FIG. 5

June 8, 1965 Filed NOV. 15, 1962 F. J. BROCH REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 8, 1965 F. J. BROCH REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Nov. 15, 1962 FIG.I4

FIG.I5

FIGJB June 8, 1965 F. J. BRocH REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Nov. 15. 1962 Filed Nov. 15. 1962 June 8, 1965 F. J. BROCH 3,188,129

REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Jail 73 United States Patent 3,183,129 1 REMOTE-CONTROLLED LOCK Frederick J. Broch, -WendellSt., Cambridge, Mass.

Filed Nov. 15, 1962, Ser. No. 237,993

a 1%) Claims. (Cl. 22- 341.16)

This invention pertains to electrically operated locks of that general type wherein the lock mechanism is released by the action of a solenoid or electromagnet. I

' Prior conventional locks of this general type, designed for use with heavy doors, customarily have a striker which slides from locking to unlocking position and which offers very substantial frictional resistance to motion, particularly if the door besubjected to force of any real magnitude tendingto open it. Usual types of normally de-energized solenoids cannot be depended upon to open such 3,18%,l29 Patented June 8, 1 965 ice ations.

So far as is known, no lock possessing the characteristics 'above specified has heretofore been available.

A principal object of the present inventionis to provide a remote-controlled lock of simple construction which will release the locked part, usually a door, even though the a sliding striker under all circumstances, since such a sole- 7 noid develops but a fraction if its maximum pulling force when the circuit is first closed, and that is precisely the instant at which the 'available force for overcoming the frictional resistance'should be greatest. While the initial I the usual'panic bolt'would not. be permissible; to provide force exerted by a solenoid may be increased by'using a heavy current, this incurs the danger of overheating and fire. I h

" For similar reasons a lockdesigned to 'be unlocked by door be resisting a huge pressure tending to open it; which is controlled by a small solenoid whose armature need move but a short distance and requires but a small amount of current;-which may be designed to open in response either to closure or interruption of the solenoid circuit; which is free from those faults and inadequacies common to locks heretofore devised for the control, in particular, of emegency doors for penal or similar institutions where a novel lock of the remote-controlled type of a design a such that frictional resistance to the motion of its conthe operation of a normally energized solenoid is likewise frictionalresistance to motion as above suggested.

Remembering that heavy pressure against the locked stituent parts is very small, as by the employment, of rotational motion of the parts rather than sliding motion;

. wherein the forces involved in its operation are applied soefiectively that but a small amount of electrical energy door, as by a panic-stricken crowd, enormously increases 1 the frictional resistance to movement of a sliding striker,

it will be apparent that locks of the general type just referred to are unsatisfactory for use on emergency doors,

as prisons, mental hospitals, or the like, as well as in sub stitution for panic bolts where, although the latter might be otherwise permissible, such devices might be abused,

is required; h

For the attainment of the above objects the present invention provides an electrically controlled lock of the remote-controlled type and of a design such that frictional resistance to the motion of its parts is small and the forces involved in its operation are so applied that it is practical .to employ, for its control, a solenoid or electromagnet requiring but small current intensity, whether the lock be designed to respond to the interruption of a normally closed circuit or to the closing ofa normally open circuit; which is useful as a lock for an emergency door, in particular a door for a penal institution; and which will safely and with certainty release the door the instant the control switch is actuated. 7

Whether the lock of the present invention be installed for said particular use, or any other, the door is released as, for example, when applied to the doors of restaurants, g

. locked door, as, for example, by a mob or panic-stricken crowd; and further, thatlthe lock automatically release the door if the supply of electrical current. be interrupted, as, for example, the result of fire or other accident.

Other requisites are that it be sufficiently strong to withstand any normal pressure which may be applied to the locked door, and that it be of a nature such as to make without-fail, so that it may open, even though it be sub jected to great pressure, as by a mob, whenever the switch ger or for testing), or by reason of power failure which,

in many instances, is an incident to disaster, such as fire, hurricane or earthquake. V

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in the following more detailed description and by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. la, 1b and 1c are diagrammatic plan views illustrative of the principle of operation of the preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the center pivot of the toggle linkage is normally offset rearwardly from the dead center line; the controlling solenoid is normally energized; and there is an internal electrical switch; FIG. 2 is. a front elevation (partly diagrammatic and with the protective sheet metal box in vertical section), showing a commercial form of lock mechanism, which embodies the principle of that diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c;

' FIG. 3 is a vertical section on the line 3 of FIG. 2i

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section on the line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the striker with parts broken away and in section to show interior construction;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the secondary or actuated link of the toggle linkage;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of .the link shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end elevation of the link of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a plate which is attached to the pivot pin which unites the toggle links; also showing the prism or block which is contacted by the trip or trigger device;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the assembly shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the block or prism separate from other parts;

FIG. 13 is an end'view of the block or prism shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a switch-actuating element;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of the element shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a member for supporting the internal switch;

FIG} 17 is an edge view of the supporting member shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the trip lever;

FIG. 19 is an end elevation of the trip lever;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are an edge view and a plan view, respectively, of the trip-actuating arm of the trigger device;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic elevation showing how a pair of doors may be held closed by a single lock embodying the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view of the assembly of FIG. 22, viewed from the right-hand side of the latter, illustrating lock mechanism, slightly modified, as compared with that of FIGS. 1a, 1b and 10, but embodying the same general principle (employing a toggle-linkage and a normally energized solenoid), but in this instance omitting the internal switch; a FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic view like FIG. 22, but showing the doors open;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic View similar to FIG. 23, but showing the toggle-linkage broken and showing one of the doors in open position;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic elevation, to small scale, illustrating how a sliding door may be provided with a lock embodying the present invention;

FIGS. 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d are diagrammatic plan views illustrating a further modification wherein the center pivot of the toggle-linkage is normally offset rearwardly, as in FIG. 1a, but wherein the controlling solenoid is normally de-energized, the several views showing the lock elements in various relative positions; and

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating another embodiment of the invention employing a normally energized solenoid, like FIG. 1a, but wherein the secondary link of the toggle-linkage is rigidly united to the solenoid armature.

In all of the several views, the same reference characters are used to designate parts which function in the same or equivalent way.

When herein reference is made to a door as the part which is controlled by the lock, it is to be understood that the lock is also applicable for temporarily preventing movement of any movable part which is desirably held in a given predetermined position until released for movement by an authorized person.

The present invention utilizes a toggle-linkage in attaining the above objects, the toggle-linkage being here so employed as, by the application of a relatively small force to the center joint of a normally nearly straight linkage, to prevent relative motion of the toggle-links in response 4 1 to great force applied to the movable end of one of the links.

By the simple expedient of providing a pivoted striker, instead of the customary sliding striker, together with means for transmitting any force, tending to open the door, to the striker and from the striker to the outer end of that one of the toggle-links (whose pivotal axis is movable) so as to act longitudinally of said link, and by providing a trigger or trip device, remotely releasable by electrical energy, which normally opposes motion of the central pivot of the toggle from its initial offset position, it becomes possible, in accordance with the present invention, to provide a very simple and trustworthy lock mechanism which is competent to hold a door (or equivalent movable part) in locked position, but which is readily and reliably released by the action of an electrical device, such for example, as a solenoid whose armature need move but a' short distance and which requires but a small amount of current for its actuation. Then, by so constructing the other lock parts as to reduce friction to a minimum, as by the use of pivoted rather than' sliding parts, the lock may be actuated so as, with certainty, to release the door, regardless of the magnitude of pressure to which the door may be exposed.

In accordance with one desirable embodiment, the striker is one arm of a rigid bell-crank lever, said arm being normally engaged by the door bolt or equivalent element, while the other arm of the bell-crank lever is pivotally secured to and forms the sole support for the outer end of one ofthe toggle-links (the primary link), the outer end of the other or secondary toggle-link being mounted upon a fixed and strong pivot pin or shaft, the parts being so arranged that when the door or equivaient part is locked and force is applied to the door for opening the latter, the bolt tends to swing the striker in a direction such that a component of the applied force is transmitted to the adjacent toggle-link so as to act in a direction substantially lengthwise of the link. Further, in one desirable embodiment of the invention, the trip or trigger device is also a rigid bell crank lever having one arm thereof normally substantially perpendicular to the primary link (that is, the link towhich the force is applied by the striker) while its other arm lies in the field of action of and is normally engaged by the armature, or a part fixed to the armature, of a solenoid or magnet whereby the instant position of the trigger may be determined by electrical control from a remote point.

It will be understood that, if desired, provision may be made for releasing the trigger or trip device by the insertion of a key in the lock thereby to provide for local control.

Thus, the lock may be arranged for local control by the use of a key which, for example, may be arranged to swing the trigger device out of its normal position so that the toggle-linkage will be free to break under the influence of door pressure. In some of the suggested embodiments of the invention, this might necessitate the provision of an additional switch operative to break the loading circuit upon introduction of the key. As respects the employment of a key for freeing the lock mechanism, the present arrangement is in sharp contrast to customary commercial locks in which, when the door is subjected to substantial pressure, it is impossible, by the use of a-key,. to release the lock mechanism. I

Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c of the drawings, there is diagrammatically illustrated one desirable embodiment of the invention whereinthe release of the lock results from the interruption of a normally maintained electrical current.

In these views the character 151 designates a hinged door as an example of a movable but normally locked part. This door is hinged at H to swing about a vertical axis. A fixed stop S limits its motion in'one direction and determines its closed position.

If desired, a spring, as diagrammatically indicated at 73a (FIG. 1a) may urge the door away from the stop, in the absence of any pressure tending to open the door, to insure sufficient opening of the door when the lock is released to prevent unintended relocking. The door is shown as provided with a slidable b0lt 152 urged to the left, as seen in FIG. la, by a coiled spring I, and has a beveled end B to facilitate its retraction in closing the door. The lock of the present invention is generally designated by the character 'L. It comprises a striker 14 which is engageable by the latch 152 so as normally to keep the door closed. In the embodiment illustrated in these views, the striker 14 constitutes one arm of a rigid bell-crank, lever, pivotally supported at 17 to swing about an axis parallel to that of the door hinge H. The bell-crank lever comprises a second arm 14.1, here shown as at right angles to the striker 14, which constitutes means for transmitting motionrfrom the striker to the outer end of the primary toggle link 13. The lock also comprises a toggle linkage comprising elongate, rigid links 13 and 12, the adjacent ends of which are pivotally united by a pivot pinor shaft 21 (FIG. 11) whose axis is parallel to that of the pin 17 thereby providing the center joint of the linkage. 'A pivot pin P connects the outer end of the primary link 13 to the arm 14.1 of the bell-crank lever, while a pivot shaft 16, journaled in the lock casing, indicated at 3, provides a fixed pivotal axis for the secondary link 12, the latter comprising a rigid extension 122 beyond said shaft 16. Desirably, as illustrated in these views and in FIGS. 12 and 13, a wedge block or prism 22 having a fiat rear face F and a beveled end face W is fixed to the shaft 20 (FIG. 11). A sector 21 fixed to the shaft 211 is connected to the link 12 by a bolt 23 passing through a slot21m in sector 21, whereby the slope of the first rear face F. of this wedge block 22, relatively to the dead center line XX connecting the axes of pivots 16 and 18, may be'adjusted. As shown rigid bell-crank lever fulcrummed at 26 and comprising an elongate, rigid arm 29, so normally positioned that the free or forward end of said lever arm 29 normally bears on the rear surface F of the wedge block or prism 22, the lever arm 29 then making an angle A, desirably of 90 or very slightly less, with said surface. A tension spring 92 tends to swing the arm 29 in a counterclockwise direction, and, if unopposed, would disengage the end of said arm from the prism 22 and so allow the center joint of the toggle-linkage to move rearwardly. To prevent such movement of the lever arm 29, except when desired, said arm 29, as noted, constitutes one arm of a bell-crank lever, whose other arm 28 is normally en gaged by a retaining element 41, which, as here shown, is fixed to or is part of the rockable armature 38.2

' (pivoted at M) of a solenoid 33 which is normally supplied with electrical current through a closed snap-action switch 150, the solenoid thus being normally energized XX would be but a fraction of a minute of arc. However, practical considerations, in particular, because of unavoidable lost motion at the pivot joints, indicate that this angle should be of appreciable size. A minimum of 4 to 6 is recommended.

As shown in FIG. 1a, the parts are so relatively disposed, when in normal or locked position, that the arm' 14.1 of the bell-crank striker lever is approximately perpendicular to the primary link 13.

position just described, while a fixed stop 82 positively prevents undue accidental forward motion of the center joint of the linkage.

With'the arrangement thus far described, pressure applied to the door in the direction of the arrow Z (FIG. 1a) will tend to swing the striker 1 in a clockwise direction, thus tending to swing the bell-crank lever, of which the striker constitutes one arm, and so causing the arm 14.1 thereof to apply force to that end of the primary togglelink 13 to which the bell-crank is attached, and because of'the slight inclination of the link 13 relatively to the dead center line XX, a component of this force would, if unopposed, cause the toggle-linkage tobreak rearwardlyin other words, would cause the pivotal axis at 20, that is, at the center joint of the linkage to move rearwardly and away from the dead center line XX until. eventually the striker 14' would swing so far as to release the latch 152. I To'prevent such release of the door except when in tended, a trip or trigger is provided, hereshown as a and with its armature 38.2 in that position at which it exerts its maximum force to prevent motion of the part 41. i

The arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1a, lb and 10 operates substantially as follows: I

Assuming that the door 151 is closed and locked, and that the remotely operated switch 150 is closed and the solenoid 38 is energizedthen any force applied to the door tending to swing the door in the direction of arrow Z (either the force exerted by the spring 73a or by some one pressing against the door), causes the bolt 152 to press against the striker 14 so as to tend to turn the latter and its arm 14.1, in a clockwise direction. This force is directly transmitted by the arm 14.1 to the right-hand end of primary toggle-link 13, and (assuming that the center joint of the toggle-linkage is normally offset rearwardly, as shown, from the dead center line XX) a component of the force so applied to the end of link 13 tends to move the center joint of the linkage further away from the dead center line, or, in other words, to break the toggle. A further but much weaker force, normally tending to break the toggle-linkage, originates from the commercial safety snap-switch 50 (FIG; la),.with generous overtravel feature, whose Z-step action is symbolized by the stiff leaf-spring 12c and the relatively weak helical overtravel spring 12d, as illustrated in FIGS. la, 1]) and 10. Both springs 12c and 12d are normally under compression and the switch 50 is closed, as shown in FIG. la, when the door is locked since the switch-actuating pin P is now in contact with the arm 12. The function of the switch 50 is hereinafter more fully described. The relatively weak spring 57, whose true function is to restore the toggle-linkage to normal position after it has been broken, opposes the above forces of the springs 12c and 12d. The spring 57 hashowever to be strong enough to overcome the weak helical spring 12d in order to be able to reclose the switch 5% eventually, without being able to compress the stiff leaf-spring 12c. In a commercial switch, the actuating pm Would usually comprise independent upper and lower parts, with the weak helical spring interposed between them, the lower part directly of force exerted by the striker arm 14.1, which acts in adirection to break the toggle-linkage, is relatively small as compared with the force applied by the door bolt to the striker 14, this small component of force, which tends to break the linkage, being in ratio with the tangent of the very small angle between link 13 and the dead center line. Thu-s, a relatively small force (directed against the central pivot), perpendicular to the dead center line .XX, is sufficient to prevent the toggle from breaking.

The several forces, thus acting to break the toggle, are normally prevented from breaking the toggle bythe trip or trigger device whose long arm 29, pivoted at its upper end at 26, is normally approximately perpendicular to the rear face F of prism 22. Although the spring 92 tends to swing the arm 29 counterclockwise and thus disengage its lower end from the prism, the second arm 28 of the trip device (rigidly attached to the arm 29) is normally prevented from swinging about the pivot 26 by the stop member 41 fixed to the rotor 38.2 of the normally energized solenoid 38. It will be understood that at this time the internal safety switch 50 is closed, in opposition to the action of its spring 12d, by the pressure of the resiliently yieldable spring 12c, carried by extension arm 122, against the switch pin.

In the arrangement described it is possible, by adjusting parts, to utilize some of the force which is urging the door to open, to assist the spring 92 in disengaging the trip arm 29 from the prism or block 22. This can be done by changing the normal angle, between the trip arm and the surface F of the prism 22 from a right angle to an angle less than 90". Such adjustment is provided for by the slot and screw connection above described between the prism 22 and the link 12. By adjusting these parts a component of the door pressure is added to that of spring 92, but since, normally, the solenoid is energized and is thus exerting its maximum or static force to oppose motion of the arm 28 of the trip device, the trip may be set, by adjustment of the prism relatively to the link 12, to provide a hair-trigger release when the switch 150 is opened. Furtherincrease in sensitivity may be obtained by providing the end of trip arm 29 with an antifriction roll or ball.

Assuming now that the switch 150 is opened, the solenoid is de-energized and spring 92 instantly pulls the trip arm 29 to the right (FIG. 1b), while the part 41 swings as far as is permitted by the stop 43, and all of those forces which normally tend to break the toggle are now free to act. The center joint of the toggle thus moves to the position shown in FIG. 1b, and the striker is freed to swing so as to release the door bolt; the door swings open, carrying the bolt past the striker; switch 58 opens by the action of its spring 12d; and the now stretched spring 57 immediately tends to pull the toggle-linkage back to initial position.

When switch 50 is open, closure of remotely controlled switch 150 cannot energize the solenoid so as to pull the trip arm back to locking position. Thus, at the time the spring 57 acts to restore the toggle-linkage to normal position, the motion of the prism will not be interfered with by premature contact with arm 29 of the trip device. However, as the toggle-linkage nears its normal position, the arm 122 closes the switch 50 by compressing the weak helical spring 12d, and thereafter closure of switch 1'50 may energize the solenoid and thereby swing the trip arm 29 back toward normal position-the end of the trip arm 29 now moving along the beveled surface W of the prism and eventually contacting the face F of the prism so that the locking mechanism is now restored to its initial position. The above-described action stretches out the toggle-linkage and makes use of the overtravel feature of the switch 50 by compressing the stiff leafspring 12d also.

In FIGS. 2 to inclusive, there is illustrated a commercial embodiment of the lock whose principle has been above described with reference to diagrammatic views 1a, 1b and 1c. This lock, as shown, is arranged to control a hinged door 151 whose free edge, when the 'door is closed, is closely adjacent to the fixed jamb, here indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 as a steel angle 17! fixed to the wall K of enclosure which is guarded by the door. The door has a slidable latch 152 (only the end of which is shown in FIG. 4) which is urged to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4, by a spring such as the spring I shown in FIG. 1a, and having the beveled end surface E for engagement with the striker when closing the door. The frame of the lock is mounted on a plate 1 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5), the right-hand marginal portion of which, as

shown in FIG. 4, is welded to the jamb 170, while, near its opposite margin, this plate is tied to the wall K (FIGS. 4 and 5) by bolts or rods 105. V

The frame of the lock comprises the rear plate 3 which is connected to the supporting plate 1 by bolts 103 (FIG. 4) located, respectively, near each of the corners of the rear plate. Each of three of these corners is reinforced (FIG. 2) by means of welded-on pads 65, while the other corner, that is to say, the lower right-hand corner, as one faces the lock, is reinforced by a welded-on angle member 71 (FIG. 2)-the several bolts 103 passing through openings in these pads, and in the vertical flange of the angle respectively and through holes in the rear plate 3 and into threaded holes in the supporting plate 1. The frame of the lock also comprises the parallel side walls 5' and 6 (FIG. 2), desirably of rigid steel, which, at their rear edges, are welded to the rear wall 3 and which are also connected by a rigid horizontal web or shelf 4 which extends across from one side wall to the other and whose edges are welded to these walls and to the rear wall. It may be noted that neither of the side walls 5 or 6 is of the full height of the lock mechanism. The side' wall 5 has projecting therefrom, near its upper edge, a horizontal shelf 9 (FIGS. 2 and 4), desirably welded to the walls 5 and 3, and thus providing reinforcement for the frame, while a gusset plate 8 (FIG. 2) has its vertical edge welded to the side wall 6 andits upper edge to a horizontal flange member or shelf 7 (FIG. 2) which is welded to the side wall 6. The striker 14 of thelock is here shown as of more or less semicircular contour (FIGS. 4 and 6) having a central hole 14d which receives a vertical shaft 1'7 (FIG. 2) to which the striker is fixed and which turns in a bearing opening in the shelf 9 and in an aligned bearing opening in the web 4the side wall 5' of the frame having a slot through which a portion of the striker may project with close clearance. As shown in FIG. 6, the striker 14 comprises a central hub portion 14m having parallel plates 14x and 14y welded to its opposite faces, respectively, the hub portion being cut away to provide a peripheral recess between the plates 14x and 14y-the faces 14s and Mt of this recess being at right angles to each other-the recess being of such width between plates 14x and 14y as to receive the end of the door bolt 152 with ample clearance. For supporting the weight of the striker, a suitable pad 19 (FIG. 2) is arranged on the web 4- so as to be contacted by the lower plate 14y of the striker.

The striker also has a hole 14a which receives a pivot bolt or pin P (FIG. 2) whose opposite end portions are journaled in holes in parallel link 'members 13a and 13b (FIG. 2) which collectively constitute the actuating link 13 of the toggle-linkage, corresponding in function to the link 13 of FIG. la. The right-hand ends of members 13:: and 131) (as viewed in FIG. 4) are disposed at opposite sides of the hub member of the striker, each in a recess, such as the recess 13x (FIG. 6) in the respective side plates of the striker, and the link members 13aand 13b, at their opposite ends, have aligned openings for the reception of the central pivot shaft 20 (FIGS. 2 and 4) of the toggle-linkage.

The other or secondary link 12 of the toggle-linkage comprises the lower and upper parallel members 12a and 1211 respectively (FIGS. 2, 7 and 8), which are rigidly connected by a U-shaped rib 12c (FIGS. 7 and 8). The lower member 12a is approximately rectangular,'incon trast to the upper member 12b which is generally triangular (FIG. 8) in order to provide space for a threaded hole 12x to receive a setscrew 23 (FIG. 4)-. The link 12 is arranged to rock about the axis of a rotatable shaft 16 (FIG. 2), turning in bearings supported by the shelf 7 and the web 4 respectively. The link members 12a and 12!) have aligned holes at each end, and the upper member 12b is connected to the shaft 16 by a slotted bushing 12m (FIGS. 7 and 8) which is welded at its lower end to member 12b in coaxial relation to the 'mally rock as a unit.

' t-o shaft 20 by cotter pin171.

9 i hole at one end thereof, and is clamped to the shaft 16 by means of a screw 60 (FIG. 4). Fixed to the pivot shaft 20, below the plate 21 is a rigid block or prism 22, a

I such as above described (FIGS. 11, 12 and 13). This is d an elongate solid block of steel, here shown as square in transverse section (except that one'longitudinal corner is beveled at Wthe rear face F (FIG. 13) of this block (1) Plate 21. d (2) Upper member 12b of link 12. (3) Upper member 13a of link 13. (4) Block or prism'22. i (5) Lower member 13b of link 13. (6) Lower member 1211 of link 12.

a The shaft 20, the block or prism 22 and plate 21 nor- 21m in plate Z'I-(FIGJlO) which receives a screw 23 (FIG. 4). which enters the hole 12x in part'12a (FIGS. 7 and 8) theplate 21, with the prism 22 fixed relatively thereto, can be rotatably adjusted with respect to the upper member12bof link 12 and held in' adjusted position by means of the screw 2 3 t-he block 22 being secured As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower end of shaft is desirably located just above the upper surface of the fixed web 4, thus insuring against any downward buckling The rotor 38.2 (FIG. 3) of the solenoid is pivotally connected to the stator by a pivot member 38x. An elongate rigid plate 41 (FIG. 3,) is fixed to the rotor 38.2 of the solenoid by screws 101, 102, and in the upper'end portion of this plate there is provided a screw-threaded hole which receives a long screw having the head 22 and whose "tip normally contacts the part 28a (FIGS. 3 and 5) of the crank element 28 of the lock or trigger device, so that, so long as the solenoid is energized, the spring 92 cannot turn the shaft 26 so as to disengage the tip of rod 29a from the prism or block 22. The plate 41 also has a part 41x whose edge is arranged opposite to the head 43 7 (FIG. 3) of a screw adjustably engaging a threaded hole in a boss welded to the base 33 of the solenoid, so that the normal spacing of the part 41x from the screw head 43 may be adjusted and thus the swing of the solenoid rotor limited.

However, by reason of the slot of the toggle-linkage, such as mightip ossiblyresult from wear in the bearings. If, in consequence of wear, the parts comprising the toggle-linkage and, in particular, the central joint of the linkage, should sag, the lower 7 end of the shaft 26, by contacting with the upper surface of the web, would carry the Weight of the linkage.

A triangular plate 51 (FIGS. 5, 16 and 17) is arranged beneath the web 4 and supports the safety switch 56. This plate 51 has large holes 51b and 510 (FIG. 16) at two corners and a smaller hole 51a at its third corner,

the latter hole receiving the shaft 16 which forms a pivot about which the plate may be swung for adjustment. Screws 54 pass down through threaded holes in the web 4 and through the large holes in the triangular plate 51, and have threaded engagement with holes in a strip 53 (FIG. 3) interposed between the plate and web, said strip acting to retain the plate in adjusted position. The plate 51 has an angle member 52 (FIGS. 5 and 17) secured to it, and to this angle member there is attached.

the casing of the switch 511. This switch has an actuating pin 61b (FIGS. 2 and 5) which is normallyurged by a strong, over-travel spring toward the open position, but normally (while the toggle-linkage is in the locked position) the controlling arm 61 fixed to the shaft 16 keeps the switch closed.

By this arrangement provision is made'to make sure that the door will not be unintentionally relocked should The trip or trigger device, by means of which the toggle linkage is normally held in locking position, comprises a rigid cylindrical rod29a (FIGS. 4, 18 and 19), having a polygonal portion or nut 29d intermediate its ends by means of which it may be turned, and having a spherically curved end 2% (FIG. 18) designed to contact the block 22 with little friction. The'opposite end portion 290 of thisrod 29a is screw-threaded and received in a threaded hole in a shaft 26 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) parallel to-shafts 16 and 17 and which turns in a bearing sleeve25 (FIG. 2) fixed in a hole in the web 4. By turning the rod 251a, its effective length may be varied thereby to adjust the normal position of its end 2% (FIG. 18) relatively to the prism or block 22a suitable locking nut then holding it in adjusted position. As here shown, the

the circuit be interrupted for a very short period when no pressureis being exerted on the door.

' @As shown in FIG. 4, a part 169 is attached to the threaded portions 290 of the rod 29a also passes through l a hole in a collar 26x (FIG. 3) on the shaft 26, located above thesleeve 25, and is thus fixed relatively to the shaft, and above'the collar 26x a coiled spring 92 embraces the shaft, one end of the spring being secured in a hole in a collar 93 near the upper end of the shaft and which has spaced radial holes designed to receive a pin 94- by means; of which the collar 93 may be rotatably adjusted on the shaft. ,The opposite 'end ofspring 92 is wrapped around the threaded end 290 of rod 2%. The spring 92 tends to turn the shaft 26 counterclockwise. To the lower end of shaft 26 (below the web 4) there is clamped a part 28 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 20 and 21), this part 28 comprising a rigid plate 28a having welded there:

door 151 (at a point spaced below the latch 152) by a 69 welded to the lower end of a vertical shaft 68 (FIG. 2) having bearings in the angle member 71 and in the web 4 respectively. A coiled spring 73 embraces this shaft and i so connected to the shaft that the finger 69 tends to swing in a clockwise direction (FIG. 5) thereby, by contact with part 169, to open the door. A screw 77, passing through the shaft 68, is arranged to contact a screw 76 (FIG. 2) adjustable in a fixed bracket 75 thereby to limit rotationof shaft 68. If the controlling circuit is broken, the spring 73 will open the door sufficiently so that the striker, in returning to its normal position, cannot catch and relock the door. In FIGS. 1a, 1b, etc., a spring having the same function is diagrammatically indicated at 7 3a.

' In FIGS. 22 to 25 inclusive, a lock of somewhat modifled design is illustrated, although employing a togglelinkage for the same purposes as that shown in FIG. 1a. However, the lock of FIGS. 22 to 25 inclusive, has no internal or safety switchlike the switch 50 of FIGS. 1a

. and 5. In this lock the arm 23 of the trip member is not rigidly connected to the member 28, but the parts 28 and 29' are independently pivoted on the pin 26. In this arrangernent the part 28 has two oppositely extending arms, to one of which the strong spring 92 (like that of FIG.

1a) is connected, while the other arm 28x stands in the l. l the switch se of FIG. la, the spring 57 must be strong to overcome the spring 153 of the trip arm 29, if, after the lock has been actuated, the control switch 150 should be closed before the linkage has been restored to initial position. To insure the intended action of spring 57, a stop 32 is arranged to prevent the center joint of the linkage from crossing the dead center line XX. However, the stop is so located as to allow the end of the arm 29 of the trip device to ride up onto the block 22, when no substantial pressure is being applied to the door. In this arrangement, the block 22 is fixed, relatively to link 12 in contrast to that of FIG. 1a.

The striker in this case is an elongate flap 155 which overhangs the tops of the outwardly opening doors 155. This flap 156 is fixed to a rotatable rod or shaft 171, to which is rigidly attached the part 14.1 which, in turn, i pivotally connected to the primary link 13 of the togglelinkage.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, when the doors are closed, the remote control switch 150 is closed; the solenoid 38 is energized; and rotor 38.2 is magnetically locked; the control member 41 holds the spring-loaded part 28 in the position shown, in which the trip lever 29 leans against the brace 154 and, by contact with block 22, prevents the toggle-linkage from breaking in response to door pressure.

In FIGS. 24 and 25, when the doors are unlocked and completely open, the remote control witch 150 is open; solenoid 38 is-de-energized; and the resultant force of springs 96 and 153, acting upon the part 28, has swung the latter so that the brace 154 has pushed the arm 29 of trip device off of the block 22 and has thus permitted the linkage to break under the influence of door pressure and the doors have thus opened. Springs (not shown) may be provided to insure opening of the doors when unlocked.

In each of FIGS. 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d a toggle-linkage is shown which, in most particulars, is like that of FIG. 1a, but solenoid 38 in the look here shown, is normally de-energized and the lock is opened by closure of a switch 159 to supply current to the solenoid. In this arrangement, the armature 38.2 is normally held against stop 43 by the spring 2 which, in thi instance, tends to swing the trip lever 29 to the left, as shown. A counterweight (not here shown) might be employed to assist in holding the armature in this position. In this lock the linkage return-spring 57 is of substantial strength as com pared with that required in the arrangement of FIG. 1a. Door pressure cannot break the toggle linkage with the part as shown in FIG. 270, although the door pressure tends to rotate the striker 14 and its extension 14.1, around the fixed pivot point 17 in the clockwise direction. Just as in the lock of FIG. 10, this force, minus the effect of the relatively powerful return-spring 57, has a tendency to break the toggle-linkage and move its center pivot rearwardly.

FIG. 27!) shows the resultof completing the solenoid circuit by closing the switch 159. The solenoid 38 is shown as magnetically locked, the rotor 38.2 with the attached part 41 has rocked the arm 23 and the trip lever arm 29 counterclockwise by overcoming spring 92, and has pushed the end of the trip lever arm 29 from oif the block 22, thus allowing the toggle-linkage to break.

' FIGS. 270 shows the parts as they appear an instant later; the solenoid is energized as in FIG. 27b, with the center pivot of the toggle-linkage at its rearmost position, and the door has been opened to the point at which the bolt 152 and striker 14 are tip-to-tip.

FIG. 27d shows the de-energized lock in an unusual position which might occur on the assumption that the toggle-linkage is still broken at the time that the remote control switch 159 is reopened. This would lead to collision, as indicated, between the block 22 and the trip lever arm 29. This, however, is of little importance since the relatively strong return-spring 57, acting upon link 12, will push aside the trip lever arm 29 by overcoming the spring 92 until the block22 contacts the stop 82 which holds the center point of the linkage slightly forward from the dead center line XX. The location of stop 82 should be such that a slight amount of clearance is provided between the block 22 and the path of return of the tip of arm 29, in order to insure its safe return, while the center point of the linkage is in contact with the limit or stop 82. Once the trip lever 29 has moved into contact with the rear surface of the block 22, a full cycle of operation has been completed. 1

FIG. 28 shows a lock operating upon the same principle a that of FIG. la, but of simpler construction. In this lock a single part, designated by the character 309 performs the joint functions of the secondary toggle-link 12 and the extension arm 122 of said link. No separate trip lever or spring for actuating the latter is provided. The part 309 is fixed to the armature 38.2 of the solenoid 38--one end of this part 300 normally keeping the internal switch 549 closed, while the other arm is connected by the pivot shaft 23 to the primary toggle-link 13. The central joint of the linkage is normally ofiset rearwardly from the dead center line XX.- The energized solenoid normally holds the parts in the position shown in FIG. 28, in opposition to the springs 12c and 12d of the switch 50, as explained in detail in discussing FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c above. Should, however, the current be broken at switch 15%, then both stressed springs 12c and 12d of switch 50 act to rock the armature about the hinge 16 in opposition to the weaker spring 57, thus breaking the toggle-linkage and opening switch 59 and allowing the door to open. The unlocked parts of the lock are returned to normal position by the spring 57, which is strong enough to overcome the relatively weak spring 12d, thus closing the switch 50. When switch 50 is now closed, the solenoid 38 is energized and the relatively stiif overtravel leaf-spring 12d will be stressed.

While certain desirable'embodiments or" the invention have herein been disclosed by way of example, it is to be understood that the invention is broadly inclusive of any and all modifications falling within the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a lock of the kind wherein a pivoted striker normally prevents movement of a movable, locked part in response to force applied to the latter tending to move it fromlocked position, in combination, a toggle-linkage comprising elongate primary and secondary links pivotally united at their adjacent ends to form a central joint and each pivotally supported at its other end, the central joint of the linkage being normally offset a prescribed short distance, from the rectilinear, dead center line connecting the outer ends of the links, in the direction which the central joint of the toggle-linkage takes as the toggle breaks, in combination, means operative so to transmit force from the striker to the outer end of the primary toggle link thata component of said force acts longitudinally of the link, said component constituting the only force operative to increase the distance between the central joint of the toggle-linkage and the dead center line so as to break the toggle-linkage and release the locked part, and a trigger device comprising a rigid trip member, and means normally holding said trip member in such a position that, regardless of the force applied to the locked part, it opposes such force to one of said toggle links as to prevent movement of the central joint of the linkage from its normal position, further charac-i terized in that the rigid tripmember which constitutes an element of the trigger device is an elongate lever arm pivotally supported at a susbtantial distance from said dead center line, said lever arm being normally substantially perpendicular to one of said links with its free end normally located to prevent motion of the center joint of the toggle-linkage from its prescribed normal position, and means for so rocking said rigid trip as to a 13: free the linkage and allow the latter to break in response to pressure exerted against the striker by the locked part.

2. A lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that the rigid trip member is one arm ofia multiarm lever and in having electromagnetic means operatively related to another arm of said lever for controlling the enemas closed control switch, operative, to supply current to maintain said armature in closed position wherein it exerts maximum force, and means operative, when the switch is open and the solenoid thereby de-energized, to rock the trip member and thereby permit the linkage to break. V v

5. A lock according to claim ll, further characterized in that the means for normally holding said rigid trip member in operative position is a spring, and the means for rocking the trip member so as to permit the linkage to break is a solenoid having a pivoted armature, means, including a normally open vswitch, for supplying current to the solenoid, and means actuatable, by the armature of the solenoid when the switch is closed, so as to supply current to the solenoid to rock the trip in opposition to said spring thereby permitting the linkage to break.

6. A lock according'to claim 1, further characterized in comprising spring means to rock the tri p member to inoperative position, a normally static but energized electroinagetic device opposing said spring means while exerting its maximum force, and a normally closed control switch in the circuit of said electromagnetic device which, when opened, de-energizes the latter and allows the springito rock the trip to inoperative position.

7. A lock according to claim 6, further characterized in having a spring, operative to restore the toggle-linkage to normal position after it has been broken, the parts being so relatively arranged that closure of the control switch energizes the electromagnetic device thereby pulling the trip back to operative position relatively to the toggle-linkage.

8. A lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that the adjacent ends ofthe primary and secondary links are connected by a shaft to which is fixed a rigid block having a plane surface which is normally contacted by and which is approximately at right angles to the trip member, the block also having a beveled face engageable with the end of the trip member, as the togglelinkage is being restored to normal position after having been broken, thereby to guide said end of the trip memher-into contact with the plane surface of the lock.

9. A lock according to claim 8, further characterized in that each of the toggle links comprises two rigid members, the ends of those members which constitute the secondary link being interposed betweenithe ends of the members constituting the primary link at the center joint, and the rigid block being interposed between the inner ends of the members which constitute the secondary link and constituting means for spacing them apart, and means whereby the angle between the trip member and the plane surface of said block may be adjusted between 90 and 10. In combination with a hinged door, a lock of the kind wherein a pivoted striker normally prevents the door from opening in response to force tending to open it, a toggle-linkage comprising elongate primary and secondary links pivotally united at their adjacent ends to form a central joint and each pivotally supported at its other end, the centraljoint of the linkage being normally offset a prescribed short distance from the rectilinear dead center line connecting the outer ends of the links and always remaining at the same side of said dead center line, means so supporting the striker that force applied to the door for opening the latter tends to move the striker fromnormal position, m'eansoperative so to transmit force from the striker to the outer end of the primary toggle link that said force acts longitudinally of the link and thereby provides the only force for breaking the toggle-linkage so as to release the door, means normally operative to oppose force to one of the toggle links at a point adjacent to the central joint of the linkage thereby to prevent such movement of the central joint. of the linkage from its normal position as to break the toggle regardless of the force applied to the locked door, and

remotely-controlled electrical means operative to nullify said opposing force thereby permitting the door to open in response to pressure applied thereto such as to tend to open it.

References ited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,937,978 12/33 Miller. 2,130,559 9/38 Papp. 2,800,348 7/57 Parsley. 3,073,637 1/63 Block 292201 FOREIGN PATENTS 524,460 12/53 Belgium. 46,394 3/89 Germany.

M. HENSON WOOD, ]R., Primary Examiner.

ALBERT H. KAMPE, Examiner. 

10. IN COMBINATION WITH A HINGED DOOR, A LOCK OF THE KIND WHEREIN A PIVOTED STRIKER NORMALLY PREVENTS THE DOOR FROM OPENING IN RESPONSE TO FORCE TENDING TO OPEN IT, A TOGGLE-LINKAGE COMPRISING ELONGATE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LINKS PIVOTALLY UNITED AT THEIR ADJACENT ENDS TO FORM A CENTRAL JOINT AND EACH PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED AT ITS OTHER END, THE CENTRAL JOINT OF THE LINKAGE BEING NORMALLY OFFSET A PRESCRIBED SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE RECTILINEAR DEAD CENTER LINE CONNECTING THE OUTER ENDS OF THE LINKS AND ALWAYS REMAINING AT THE SAME SIDE OF SAID DEAD CENTER LINE, MEANS SO SUPPORTING THE STRIKER THAT FORCE APPLIED TO THE DOOR FOR OPENING THE LATTER TENDS TO MOVE THE STRIKER FROM NORMAL POSITION, MEANS OPERATIVE SO TO TRANSMIT FORCE FROM THE STRIKER TO THE OUTER END OF THE PRIMARY TOGGLE LINK THAT SAID FORCE ACTS LONGITUDINALLY OF THE LINK AND THEREBY PROVIDES THE ONLY FORCE FOR BREAKING THE TOGGLE-LINKAGE SO AS TO RELEASE THE DOOR, MEANS NORMALLY OPERATIVE TO OPPOSE FORCE TO ONE OF THE TOGGLE LINKS AT A POINT ADJACENT TO THE CENTRAL JOINT OF THE LINKAGE THEREBY TO PREVENT SUCH MOVEMENT OF THE CENTRAL JOINT OF THE LINKAGE FROM ITS NORMAL POSITION AS TO BREAK THE TOGGLE REGARDLESS OF THE FORCE APPLIED TO THE LOCKED DOOR, AND REMOTELY-CONTROLLED ELECTRICAL MEANS OPERATIVE TO NULLIFY SAID OPPOSING FORCE THEREBY PERMITTING THE DOOR TO OPEN IN RESPONSE TO PRESSURE APPLIED THERETO SUCH AS TO TEND TO OPEN IT. 